Staying cool in Eastern CT: Five ways to beat the heat this summer

Blaine Callahan, The Bulletin
Updated ·3 min read

With summer on the horizon and temperatures rising, there are more than a few ways to beat the heat in Eastern Connecticut.

For starters, you've got a myriad of lakes and coastal beaches to choose from. You can always swing by a drive-in or ice cream shop for a shake or cone to help cool off. Plus, there's likely a movie theater or two nearby to take in the air-conditioning and catch what's new. If you're looking for something mildly adventurous, you can always give kayaking a try.

Not sure where to start looking? We've got plenty of different options and destinations to choose from. Some may be right in your backyard.

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Visit one of Connecticut's public lakes

On the border between Bozrah, Montville and Salem sits a cozy little lake open to the public. You'll find Gardner Lake State Park on its south shore in the town of Salem. Boating, swimming and even fishing are all popular.

Barbara Hernandez of North Stonington, front, and her daughter, Jarelis Bentes of New London stay cool on their jet skis Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.
Barbara Hernandez of North Stonington, front, and her daughter, Jarelis Bentes of New London stay cool on their jet skis Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.

Mashamoquet Brook State Park in Pomfret offers another swimming hole for folks as well. The name Mashamoquet is Native American for "stream of good fishing." Rich with history, the park offers hiking, camping, fishing and swimming for the whole family.

Take a dip at a local beach

You'll have to drive a little bit but there's no shortage of oceanside destinations in Southeastern Connecticut. New London's Ocean Beach Park, Groton's Eastern Point Beach, Niantic Beach or Stonington's DuBois Beach are just a few of the dozens of options you have to choose from. Most spots have ample parking and plenty of other attractions as well, such as restaurants and shops.

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Jha Lampkins of New London with a fish he found on the beach Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.
Jha Lampkins of New London with a fish he found on the beach Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.

Grab some ice cream

Connecticut has no shortage of roadside stops if you're looking for a cool, delicious treat. Check out The Main Moose in Columbia, Hank's Dairy Bar in Plainfield, Harry's Place in Colchester, Mystic Drawbridge Ice Cream, Berry's Ice Cream & Candy Bar in New London and Salem Valley Farm's Ice Cream. Most spots will have frozen yogurt, as well.

Kacey Kruzel of Pomfret bought his dog, named Bolt, a Puppy Bites ice cream treat at the grand opening of Ra Ra's Ice Cream Shop Friday at Owen Bell Park in Dayville. The warm weather business near the back parking lot at Owen Bell Park features soft and hard ice cream, ice cream cakes and birthday parties.
Kacey Kruzel of Pomfret bought his dog, named Bolt, a Puppy Bites ice cream treat at the grand opening of Ra Ra's Ice Cream Shop Friday at Owen Bell Park in Dayville. The warm weather business near the back parking lot at Owen Bell Park features soft and hard ice cream, ice cream cakes and birthday parties.

Catch a movie

This is a classic way to beat the heat. Tickets are available for all sorts of flicks.

Visit the Gallery Cinemas in Colchester, AMC Classic in Lisbon, Regal Waterford, Niantic Cinemas or Mystic Luxury Cinemas to get your movie fix. Don't forget the popcorn!

Try something new with kayaking

Sisters Sandy Dondero, left, and Dee Ethier, both of Norwich stay cool in their kayaks Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.
Sisters Sandy Dondero, left, and Dee Ethier, both of Norwich stay cool in their kayaks Tuesday at Gardner Lake in Salem. Admission is free for in-state residents.

Mystic is chock-full of options for beating the heat, kayaking included. Blue Heaven Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals is a premier spot to give it a go, with $25 an hour prices for a single or $40 an hour tandem kayaks and $30 an hour paddleboard rentals.

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Clinton, Connecticut has you covered as well. The Indian River Marina offers kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing rentals for new and experienced visitors alike. It's an easy walk to downtown Clinton as well, with shops and restaurants to visit once you've had your fun.

This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: 5 things to do this summer in Eastern CT: Beaches, ice cream, movies